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ORIGIN

This 1959 Triumph TR3A is finished in Apple Green over a tan interior and reportedly underwent a ground-up restoration in 2011. Approximately 2,500 miles have been covered since the work was completed, during which time the car has received the “Best Triumph Award” at the 2011 Brits By The Bay car show, and a second place at the 2012 Pittsburgh Grand Prix, British Car Day. Power comes from an larger-displacement TR4 engine paired to a rebuilt and upgraded TR4 four-speed gearbox with overdrive. Further modifications include a rack and pinion steering conversion an the addition of a Moto Lita wood-rimmed wheel. A new set of side curtains are included with the sale, along with a soft top, and tonneau cover. This TR3A is now being offered in Nevada with a clean Ohio title.

Apple Green was a contemporary color offered by Triumph, though it is not believed to be the original color. Brightwork and trim show to have been renewed during the restoration, and all new seals were fitted during reassembly. A few nicks are reportedly present in the finish, and the car has been stored indoors and started regularly during the seller’s ownership.

Silver painted wire wheels are mounted with two-eared nuts and wear period-style Dunlop rubber. As original, braking is handled by front discs with conventional drums in the rear, and the system was completely rebuilt during the restoration. The original steering column and integrated steering box, have been removed and the car has been converted to rack and pinion steering.

During the restoration, the interior received new tan upholstery and a smaller-diameter Moto Lita steering wheel. A set of AMCO-style wind wings have been added to the windshield frame, and an optional padded rear seat come fitted. The stock Jaeger and Lucas instrumentation have been retained, with 98k miles currently shown on the odometer. Around 300 miles have been added the seller since they acquired the car 2.5 years ago.

Originally equipped with a 1,991cc inline-four, power now comes from a TR4 engine with a 1mm overbore, and breathes through a set of rebuilt SU’s from Joe Curto. Other modifications include a set of K&N air filters and a high-torque starter. Recent notable maintenance is limited to a replacement throw-out bearing in 2015.

The rebuilt TR4 gearbox features a synchronizer between 1st and 2nd gear, as well as an overdrive unit. Quantum Mechanics Ltd in Oxford, Connecticut rebuilt both components during the restoration. Additional photos of the undercarriage can be seen in the gallery below.